Ham Salad

Ham salad is one of those classic dishes that brings back fond memories of family gatherings and picnics. It’s so simple yet oh-so-delicious. Imagine taking leftover ham, adding some creamy mayonnaise, a touch of seasoning, and blending it all together into a delightful spread or salad. Whether you find it piled high on a sandwich or elegantly scooped onto a cracker, ham salad offers both comfort and satisfaction. You’ll love how quickly you can whip it up, making it perfect for those days when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that feels special, and trust me, your loved ones will be asking for seconds.

What is Ham Salad

Ham salad is a delightful blend of diced ham, seasoning, and creamy mayonnaise that transforms leftover ham into a delicious dish. Simple yet satisfying, this salad can be served as a spread on sandwiches or paired with crackers for an enjoyable snack. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a popular choice among cooking enthusiasts.

Why You’ll Love This Ham Salad

This ham salad recipe strikes the perfect balance between savory and creamy, making it a beloved dish for gatherings, picnics, or quiet evenings at home. With a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation, you can whip up a dish that feels both comforting and gourmet. It’s ideal for using leftovers, saving food while tantalizing your taste buds.

Ingredients for Ham Salad

• 3 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup celery, finely diced
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons sweet relish
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Preparing the Ham Salad

Dicing the Ham

Start by placing the cooked ham in a food processor. Pulse gently until the ham reaches a finely diced consistency, but be cautious not to let it turn into a paste. Once you have that perfect texture, transfer the diced ham to a large mixing bowl.

Mixing the Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring all those flavors together! In the bowl with your diced ham, toss in the finely diced celery, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sweet relish, and a bit of black pepper. Stir everything until it’s well combined. The smell alone will have your mouth watering.

Chilling the Salad

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least two hours. This chilling step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste. Plus, it gives you time to prepare any sides you might want to serve with it.

Final Taste Test

Before serving, take a moment to taste the ham salad. Check if it needs any additional seasoning. A little extra salt, pepper, or relish can elevate the dish to your liking. You want it to be just right!

Serving Suggestions

Ham salad is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for different occasions. Serve it as a hearty sandwich filling, or simply scoop it onto your favorite crackers. For a refreshing salad option, you could top a bed of greens with it. Some people even like to stuff it inside bell peppers for a fun twist!

Tips for Success

• Make sure your ham is cooked and cooled before dicing for the best texture.
• Don’t skip the chilling step; it significantly improves the flavor profile.
• Feel free to experiment! You can add chopped hard-boiled eggs or diced pickles for extra flavor and texture.

Variations

For those who like to mix things up, consider adding diced apples or grapes. They introduce a lovely sweet contrast. You might also want to incorporate crushed nuts for some crunch. Each of these variations keeps your ham salad experience fresh and exciting!

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, it’s easy to store them. Just place the ham salad in an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It can last up to three days, making it excellent for meal prep or grabbing quick snacks throughout the week.

Pairing Ideas

Ham salad pairs beautifully with various sides. Think about refreshing coleslaw or crispy potato chips for a delicious picnic spread. A refreshing drink, like iced tea or lemonade, complements the savory flavors nicely and completes your meal.

FAQs

Can I use leftover ham from a holiday meal for this recipe?

Yes, leftover holiday ham is perfect for this recipe. It adds a wonderful flavor that you won’t want to miss!

How long can I store ham salad in the fridge?

Ham salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Perfect for those busy days!

Can I freeze ham salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze ham salad. The mayonnaise and celery may change texture once thawed, which could affect your dish.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

If you want a healthier twist, consider using plain Greek yogurt or mashed avocado instead of mayonnaise.

Is ham salad kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the creamy texture and mild flavor. Serve it on bread or crackers for a fun and easy meal.

This ham salad recipe captures the essence of comfort food while providing a practical solution for using leftovers. It’s loved not just for its taste but also for its versatility and ease of preparation. Ideal for gatherings or a simple lunch, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Embrace the tradition, get creative with variations, and savor every bite!

More Easy Salads & Side Dishes Recipes:

• Pineapple Mango Salsa
• Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
• Watergate Salad
• Orange Fluff Salad

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Ham Salad

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This ham salad brings a delightful blend of savory flavors and creamy texture. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for using up leftover ham, making it a comforting and versatile dish for meals and gatherings.

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup celery, finely diced
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons sweet relish
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

• Finely dice the cooked ham using a food processor.
• In a mixing bowl, combine diced ham with celery, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sweet relish, and black pepper. Mix well.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least two hours to meld flavors.
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Notes

Ensure ham is cooked and cooled before dicing for optimal texture.
Do not skip the chilling step to enhance flavor.
Experiment with ingredients like hard-boiled eggs or diced pickles for added taste.

• Author: Rachael
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing, Chilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3
• Sodium: 700
• Fat: 22
• Saturated Fat: 4
• Unsaturated Fat: 15
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 6
• Fiber: 1
• Protein: 24
• Cholesterol: 70